DOLE allocates P2M for Daet Food Producers Association’s livelihood

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, March 31 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated some P2 million as grant for the livelihood program of the Daet Food Producers Association.

Manager Lilia Avellana of the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) said that P912,000 of the P2 million will be released in April. The said amount will be used for the purchase of equipment and raw materials for the production of pili-piña based products of the group.

The said amount was approved last year under the Country Enterprise Development Project of the DOLE which was launched August 2011 in Daet.

She said that the construction for the production center is on-going located at barangay Lag-on here as counterpart of the local government unit of Daet.

Avellana said that the group has 42 members who are engaged in making different products like pili piña pie, buko piña pie, pili tart, pili cluster, empanaditas, and also tocino and longganisa.

She said that outlets of their products include: Jannas Pasalubong, Nene Pili Nut, supermarkets, office of the TLDC, Daet municipal canteen, and also during trade fair.

The group is also preparing their application permit from the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

She added that this is also in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the project proposal making and trainings of the association.(MAL/RBM - PIA 5, Camarines Norte)

DOE Luzon Field Office Dir. Efren Balaoing, delivers his message during the Orientation Seminar on Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Household and School Sectors last March 29, at the Alyssa’s Convention Hall, Alicia Hotel, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Mr. Allan C. Bacudo, SR. SRS, talk about plans, programs and policies of Department of Energy. .

Ms. Thelma P. Agagas, SRS II, discusses the household Enercon Tips, during the orientation seminar on Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Household and School Sectors, held at Alyssa's Convention Hall, Alicia Hotel, Legazpi City

NSO CamSur inaugurates breastfeeding center

By Lizel Macatangay

NAGA CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- Government offices are responding to the needs of women, particularly lactating mothers by setting aside a portion of their budget and space for these mothers. In Naga, the National Statistics Office (NSO) Camarines Sur recently inaugurated a breastfeeding center to allow lactating clients to breastfeed their babies while completing their transactions at the said office.

NSO provincial statistics officer Clemente Manaog said that the idea came after conducting a general clean-up in their office and realized that the cleared space can be used for a more important purpose.

“The natural air circulating in the said area is just perfect for a lactating mother and her child and is conducive for breastfeeding while waiting for their transactions to be completed. Mothers can also change the diapers of their toddlers there or allow them to take a nap,” Manaog added.

Moreover, the establishment of the said corner will promote breastfeeding as a healthy practice and will eliminate malnourishment, especially among newborn children aged 0-6 months in support of the national government’s program to promote breastfeeding,

This will also strengthen every community’s resolve pursuant to the Philippines’ commitment to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal on reducing hunger and poverty with a measure on reducing child mortality by two-thirds before 2015.

The said endeavor is also in consonance with the local resolution filed by City Councilor Cecilia “Nene” De Asis dubbed as Ordinance 2011-032 which requires all government agencies or offices, including private establishments in the city of Naga to establish in their respective workplace a breastfeeding corner or space for lactating mothers.

Enacted in 2011, the ordinance also seeks to provide mechanism to ensure the strict implementation of the said legislation.

Recently, Naga Mayor John Bongat, together with Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Councilors De Asis and Nathan Sergio and other city officials, led the putting of a time capsule on the proposed site of the Naga City Breastfeeding Center within the city hall compound. The said endeavor is also in coordination with the City Population and Nutrition Office and the Naga City Council for Women, in line with the celebration of International Women’s Month.

The principles and mandates set by the Philippine constitution also clearly states that the, “State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill consciousness among them. It also specifically notes that the state shall also adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development." (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)

PDAF builds infra projects in Cam Norte

By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Mar. 30 (PIA) -- A total of P4 million was allocated from a senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for road development projects in Basud.

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona’s PDAF allocated P2 million for the development of the Bagasbas Boulevard or the Cory Aquino Boulevard while P2 million was also allotted for the farm-to-market road project in Bgy. Angas going to Bgy. Mandazo of Basud.

The P4-million fund is part of the P9-million fund allocated by the senator for the Bikolanos, including P2 million for the towns of Ragay and Pili Camarines Sur and P3 million for the Bacacay and Sto. Domingo, Albay road projects.

Governor Edgardo Tallado led Guingona in Cory Aquino Boulevard, together with Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet, Mayor Dominador Davocol Jr. of Basud and Mayor de los Santos of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Guingona said that Bagasbas is a tourism opportunity in the province and needs development to attract more tourists, especially among surfing enthusiasts.

He said that the rehabilitation of the farm-to-market road in Basud will help farmers bring their produce in the market specially that agriculture is the primary source of income of farmers.

The senator also allocated P200,000 to respond to the medical needs of the indigent patients of Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital where a Memorandum of Agreement is now being processed before the release of funds.

Tallado, on the other hand, thanked senator for the projects especially for the amount to be given to the indigents of the hospital. (MAL/RBM-PIA5 Camarines Norte).

Naga barangay leaders ungergo human rights training

By Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Mar 30 (PIA) -- To equip local barangay officials and human rights action officers with the necessary tool in carrying out their mandated tasks, Karapatan-Bikol, in partnership with the local government of Naga spearheaded a basic human rights educations seminar on March 20 to 22 at Spring Valley, Barangay Del Rosario here.

The three-day activity enlisted twenty barangay human rights officers from different barangays in Naga City and more or less thirty representatives coming from various non-government organizations.

Part of the lectures include the discussions on common violations of civil and political rights, particularly regarding arbitrary and illegal detention, illegal arrest, surveillance and other violations of the right to privacy of communication and media repression, among others.

Karapatan is a national alliance composed of organizations, groups and individuals bounded by a collective goal to promote, protect, defend and advance human rights in the country. They also work hand in hand with various private and public offices to disseminate human rights principle across the country.

The local government units in return, have the obligation to ensure that all its constituents, particularly the law makers and its implementers are aware of these stipulations.

Each barangay then, in line with the provisions of the Philippine Constitution is mandated to create and strengthen the Barangay Human Rights Action Center.

This is also pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 2006-45 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and in adherence to the international human rights principle.

Also on the helm of the said program is the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Its training aims to enhance the proficiency of the participants and enable them to fully grasp the concept of the justice system in the barangay level. This also intends to assist the barangay officials to effectively implement related programs down to their respective constituents.

Being the flagship program of CHR, the program also endeavors to bring the government services, specifically in terms of human rights advocacy to the grassroots level. Part of its directive is also to provide continuous education to the community regarding human rights principles. (MAL/LSM-PIA5 Camarines Sur)

OPAg forum tackles women’s rights

By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, March 30 (PIA) -- A total of 50 officers and members of Rural Improvement Club from different towns participated in a women’s forum in leadership training organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in celebration of Women’s Month this March.

Third assistant provincial prosecutor Atty. Athena Oco-Boado of the Provincial Prosecutors Office discussed Women’s Rights and Magna Carta of Women during the activity forum.

Boado said the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act No. 9710 is a comprehensive law that defines the rights of women specifically the right which protects them from discrimination.

She said that the Magna Carta protects women against abuse and violence.

Also an interpersonal skills building was led by Charity Babala, the Municipal RIC Coordinator of Daet.

This year’s national theme for the celebration is “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.” (RBM-PIA5 Camarines Norte)

Tiwi farmers train on sweet potato prod’n

LEGAZPI CITY, March 30 (PIA) -- The Provincial Agricultural Services (PAS) Office in Albay has conducted an orientation and training for ten farmer-beneficiaries in Tiwi, Albay on Improving Food Security and Livelihood among households in Albay through Sweet Potato Production and Utilization.

The recent orientation and training highlights the new breed of sweet potatoes to be planted and produced by local farmers.

Training on planting and growing the said breeds will be done after the orientation.

According to Ruben Limos, Albay provincial agriculturist, the said program aims for the increased production of sweet potato in the province of Albay, uplift the living conditions of farmers and improve their skills and knowledge in farming.

PAS is likewise coordinating with private sectors in the province to help in the production of new sweet potato products such as sweet potato ice cream, pansit and juice.

Limos added that the sweet potato program is considered successful by PAS office and the local government of Albay since sweet potato production in the province extended to 15 hectares of land thus the expectation for the success of the said program in Tiwi, Albay. (MAL/SAA-PIA5 Albay)

NHA to address housing for Masbate's informal settlers

CITY OF MASBATE, March 29 (PIA)—The National Housing Authority (NHA) hopes to address long unresolved proliferation of informal settlers in Masbate City in partnership with the city government.

City Planning and Development Officer Rowena R. Tuason said the NHA was already preparing the blueprint for socialized housing project that involves the construction of 1,400 dwellings in Barangay Usab and Barangay Maingaran.

"Accomplished so far were the survey of the land where the project will rise and inspection of the construction site," Tuason said.

Tuason confirmed that the place had a water source that would be enough to meet the need of the families that will be relocated there.

To accelerate the project, Mayor Socrates M. Tuason mobilized the agencies that make up the City Urban Development and Housing Board to extend all forms of assistance needed by the NHA.

Sitting in the board are representatives of informal settlers, local business club, the religious sector, Rotary Club of Masbate, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Registry of Deeds. (MAL/EAD-PIA Masbate)

Spanish NGO joins fight vs malnutrition in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- With the rising incidence of malnutrition among children in Bicol, a non-government organization (NGO) from Spain has joined hands with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in fighting this public health problem.

Intervida Philippines Foundation, NNC and several local government units in Bicol signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would carry out intensive intervention projects designed to curb malnutrition problem among children from the 11 towns in Bicol.

Intervida program manager Nerissa Dimapilis said at the project presentation that Bicol is the second highest among other regions in the country with the highest prevalence of malnutrition among children five years old and below.

Dimapilis cited the NNC study indicating that Bicol malnutrition cases have surpassed the Food and Nutrition Research Institute national average on malnutrition incidence.

NNC study indicates that 116,498 or 14.89 percent of children in Bicol are malnourished, while 3 percent or 3,500 children are severely malnourished.

The regional report of Operation Timbang in 2011 showed that among the six provinces in Bicol, Camarines Sur ranked first in the prevalence of underweight children with 19 percent, followed by Catanduanes with 18.3 percent; Masbate (3rd) with 16.39; Albay (4th) with 14.91 percent, Sorsogon (5th) with 13 percent and Camarines Norte (6th) with 12.97 percent.

For the cities, Masbate topped all Bicol cities, posting a 14.82 percent underweight children; followed by Ligao with 11.55 percent; Tabaco, 9.79 percent; Legazpi – 8.41 percent, Sorsogon – 6.81; Iriga – 6.54 and Naga with only 4.72 percent malnourished children.

The joint project launch, dubbed as “Strengthening Public Structure for Nutrition” offers a package of capacity building activities targeting Barangay Nutrition Committees (BNC) in 11 priority LGUs in the Bicol region covering Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur.

The project involves facilitation of better coordination among the various local nutrition committees at the provincial, municipal and barangay levels.

Under the MOA, Intervida and NNC would provide training and coaching on nutrition program management, material and technical assistance to project implementation.

Arlene Reario, NNC program coordinator in Bicol, in an interview expressed confidence that the project would be successful in eradicating malnutrition in target municipalities with the commitment of local chief executives, and NGO in pursuing the project.

Reario said, “A strong public structure that responds to various challenges and intervention on nutrition program implementation at the LGU, down to the barangay level is a potent strategy for effective implementation toward achieving the goals of decreasing prevalence of malnutrition.”

At the project launching, Intervida OIC Country Delegate Imelda Abalos said they are thankful for the support given by NNC “particularly the social technologies involved in ensuring effective implementation and management of nutrition programs.”

Malnutrition is a condition resulting from lack of intake of energy or protein or both, characterized by marked loss of weight and failure to grow.

Children afflicted with malnutrition are physically stunted and with poor mental development, high risk to infections, lower school performance, lower levels of productivity and in extreme cases, death results. (MAL/MSA-PIA5 Albay)

Fire Dept strengthens capacities of various sectors on disaster preparedness

By Marlon A. Loterte

SORSOGON CITY, March 28 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city, as part of its observance of the Fire Prevention Month this year, conducted various activities that would strengthen capacities of personnel in the business sector and company as well, specifically in terms of disaster preparedness.

This included the conduct of the Earthquake and Fire Exit Drill at the LCC Department Store in Sorsogon City on March 21. City Fire Marshal Senior Inspector Walter B. Marcial said that the activity aimed at ensuring efficient and safe use of the exit facilities available in case of emergencies and at the same time enhance emergency response capabilities of their employees.

The activity started with an orientation conducted by FO3 Lolito F. Canares to more or less 40 participants followed thereafter by a drill.

“The sounding alarm signified the shaking/earthquake and as a response, participants do the 'Duck, Cover and Hold' activity. An evacuation to the designated safe area of refuge followed right away, observing the proper execution as taught by the BFP personnel during the orientation,” said Marcial.

While in the assembly area, the participants were instructed to make an orderly formation for the headcount. Evaluation and giving of critique ended the activity.

Meanwhile, on March 19 and 20, 2012, personnel of BFP Sorsogon City also conducted a two-day Fire Prevention and Control Seminar and Firefighting Techniques Training to employees of BacMan Geothermal Power Plant Complex (BGPPC).

The activity was in response to the management’s request in their desire to enhance their personnel’s response capability in fire emergencies considering the grave hazard they are exposed into.

The team of instructors on the first day was headed by Sorsogon City Fire Station Chief Operation SFO1 Gene H. Mendoza, while the second day was headed by Provincial Fire Marshal CInsp Achilles M. Santiago.

Other members who joined the team were personnel from the Fire Safety Enforcement Section and Operations Section who respectively discussed and demonstrated fire safety awareness, use and classes of fire extinguishers and topics in fire operation like firefighting apparatus, personal protective equipment, phases of firefighting, safety measures, and techniques in firefighting.

Prior to these activities, BFP Sorsogon City also conducted fire and earthquake drills in schools, fire prevention seminar in some identified barangays, fire safety inspections of different business establishments within the city, open house, and radio hopping.

“We have also conducted tree planting activity as a way of mitigating effects of climate change as well as raising the public’s awareness of protecting water sources,” said Marcial.

Further, Marcial said, other activities they have lined-up this week include inspection and re-painting of fire hydrants, blood letting, and clean-up drive in Brgy. Caricaran, Bacon District. (MAL/BAR/BFP-PIA 5, Sorsogon City)

10% decrease in daily rice distribution will not affect rice supply - NFA

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 26 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) provincial office here assured that the decrease by 10 percent in the daily rice distribution will have a small impact on local rice supply primarily because this is harvest season.

According to NFA provincial manager Oscar Tubalinal, said decrease will have a negligible impact since it coincides with the ongoing harvest of palay in the province and also due to the reason that the Virac Public Market retailers of rice are not included in the said cut down which accounts for majority of daily rice withdrawals.

The regulated rice distribution is in compliance with the directive of NFA Administrator Angelito Banayo ordering all offices in the provinces to maintain food security stocks at any given time.

The order was issued in view of the NFA's current supply situation considering the very limited imports and prevailing market situation.

The 1,000 bags usual daily distribution was reduced to 900 bags, a reduce of 100 bags which according to NFA is insignificant due to the current ample supply of rice.

Moreover, Catanduanes was allocated a total of 200,000 bags of NFA rice for 2012 wherein only 24,000 has been delivered since January 2012 which is due to the inability of mainland millers to cope with NFA requirements. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)

PNP supports e-blotter project

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Catanduanes Provincial Headquarters targets to implement the new Crime Incident Reporting System of PNP National Headquarters dubbed as e-BLOTTER project before the end of 2012.

In line with this, police personnel from the 11 municipalities of the province attended an echo seminar on the electronic blotter system for recording crime incidents on the local level.

The e-blotter system if fully implemented in the country, will facilitate fast, easy and paperless recording of crime information using the computer machine. Through the Internet, other police stations and higher headquarters could access such information for proper coordination and police action.

The new system is a “cost-free” project since the software is being developed locally by the programmers of the PNP’s Information Technology Management Service (ITMS) and shall be installed into the desktop of every police stations and units.

However, to date, only two of the 12 police offices in the province have internet broadband connections namely the Virac and Camp Camacho headquarters which might delay the implementation of the program. (EAB- PIA, Catanduanes)

CSC student wins AKB search for Outstanding Student of Bicol

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 22, (PIA) -- Jonathan V. Tulod, a fifth year Civil Engineering student of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB) for School Year 2011-212 by Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Philippine Association of College Student Advisers (PACSA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V.

Tulod and nine other TOSB winners received a trophy and P20,000 cash prize each during the awarding ceremonies at the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City on March 9, 2012.

Jonathan, who is the editor in chief of the The Statesman, the official tertiary student publication of CSC, is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree as Cum Laude. He is also the Campus Chapter President of Youth for Christ (YFC), the youth arm of Couples for Christ, a Catholic Charismatic lay movement officially recognized by the Vatican and spread to already 68 provinces in the Philippines and over 60 countries worldwide. He also serves as one of the legislators of the CSC Federated College Student Council.

In his acceptance speech, he shared what went through during the interview portion of the search. He told the audience he was caught off guard when asked what leadership principle he clings to.

“But then, I just answered what perhaps my heart tells me and what the Holy Spirit dictates me to declare. So I said, I do not have a memorized John Maxwell leadership dictum, but I have always believed that leadership is synonymous to discipleship; it is just like what Jesus Christ did—he came to serve and not to be served, and so he is considered the most influential leader of all time, and that is the best leadership principle I would always hold on to,” he said.

He likewise acknowledged his leadership as editor in chief of the CSC Statesman which instilled in him the sense of social responsibility and expressed his gratitude most especially to his parents, as well as to his mentors and his YFC family for their integral part in molding and honing his personality.

Prof. Ariel Buban, executive assistant of Ako Bicol Partylist said the search recognizes the priceless role of youth in nation building. He commended the awardees for being the epitome of excellence and pillars of quality education. He also encouraged the awardees to ‘walk the extra mile for the country’s future.’

In his keynote speech, Congressman Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol said the awardees represent the very best that Bicol can offer. He stressed that the selection underwent a stringent process: the TOSB must have grades that are at least in the level of a cum laude; that they must not only be academically superior but must have also holistic perspective, leadership skills and talent to share to their schools, community, and the Bicol Region.

He added that the essay competition was aimed to know the values and aspirations of the TOSB contenders and the interview portion was done to know more about their convictions and principles in life.

He exhorted the awardees to “work really hard, and do better than us” and congratulated their parents for raising them well. He finally challenged the TOSB to “continue the fire of excellence and idealism burning through the years.”

Over 40 students in the region joined the annual search. The 10 awardees were selected from the 20 finalists. Last year, CSC’s entry, John Elmar B. Templonuevo, BSED and editor in chief of CSC Statesman also won the search. Two other students from CSC who were among the 20 finalists (Carlito Gelito and Francis Timbal both from College of Education) were also given certificates and P2,000 incentive.

The other Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol winners, aside from Jonathan V. Tulod of CSC are: Marlon S. Pontilla of University of Saint Anthony, Bryan E. Novio – Ligao Community Colleges, Patrixia Shirley D. Santos - Bicol University, Renier L. Ramirez – University of Northeastern Philippines, Monique B.Sabio, La Consolacion College, Jemalyn N. San Jose – University of Nueva Caceres, Mary Grace L. Villar – Ateneo de Naga University, Jason L. Castillo – Computer Communication Development Institute, and Ma. Clarissa A. Bombase – University of Nueva Caceres. (MAL/EAB/GSRubio-PIA 5 Catanduanes)

Indigenous tribes attend training on women, children’s rights

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, March 22 (PIA) -- A two-day training on women’s and children’s rights was attended by the tribes of “Kabihug” or Indigenous People (IPs) of Capalonga and Labo towns here recently in connection with the Women’s Month Celebration this March.

The activity is also part of the Indigenous People Empowerment and Development Project (IP-EDP) of the Socio-Pastoral Action Center Foundation Inc. (SPACFI), also known as Caritas Daet, held at the St. Didachus Parish Hall of Barangay Bagong Silang in Labo town.

The IP-EDP aims to give assistance to the needs of the Kabihug tribes through the development of their knowledge and skills.

The assistance given by the Foundation includes projects focusing on the different services on social, education, and the development of their culture and tribe management.

Community Affairs Officer IV Purita Briñas of the provincial govdernment said that the Magna Carta of Women or Republic Act 9710 is a comprehensive law that defines the rights of women particulary against their descrimination.

She said that the protection and implementation of women’s rights laws were sometimes denied by the government especially the justice system.

Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Officer Carlos Galvez discussed disaster preparedness and early warning system for different disasters and calamities that are very useful to the kabihug because they don’t stay in one place, they are itinerants - traveling from one barangay to the other.

On the other hand, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Cynthia de la Cruz discussed children’s rights during the said training.

This year’s national theme: “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.” (MAL/RBM-PIA 5 Camarines Norte)

Albay Governor and Chairman, Regional Development Council Joey Sarte Salceda, address and Talk on how to Communicate the Medium Term Regional Development Plan to attain the vision of making Bicol the most livable region in the country, held at Estevez Hall, NEDA-V, Arimbay, Legazpi City, yesterday March 21, 2012. (Alex Cal//PIA)

PIA-V Regional Dir. Eduardo A. de Leon, welcome guest and participants during the training of government information officers on Communicating the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and Regional Medium Term Development Plan held at Estevez Hall, NEDA-V, Arimbay, Legazpi City last March 21, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Albay, UNDP ink P1.8-M skills training for recovery plan

LEGAZPI CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- Albay and the UNDP will sign a memorandum of agreement on Friday (March 23) here for the implementation of P1.8 million worth skills training on recovery plan development.

The training on the formulation of recovery development plan aims to capacitate humanitarian service personnel and the local disaster risk reduction management council of every municipalities and cities in Albay province.

In mid 2011, six typhoons hit Albay causing landslides and floods in various parts of the province. Albay and UNDPA seek to collaborate towards the pursuit of early recovery and long term development in typhoon-affected communities through the project UNDP Response to Early Recovery of Typhoon affected areas in Albay.

The training will focus on technical planning, recovery program after disaster, and early recovery.

The signing of MOA will be held at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office here during the regular Regional Development Council full meeting.

The MOA will signed by Gov. Joey Salceda, concurrent RDC chairman, and Renaud Meyer, Country Director of UNDP to the Philippines. (MAL/MDR-PIA 5, Albay)

P20-M allocated for PAMANA projects in CamNorte

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, March 20 (PIA) -- Some P20 million was allocated for the projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for the seven towns in Camarines Norte this year.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Robin Mercado said that the municipalities to benefit from the projects include the towns of Basud, Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Labo, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Mercedes, and Sta. Elena.

He said that the local government units should submit project proposal focusing on economy, security and justice as discussed by DILG Regional Director Blandino Maceda during the two-day Planning Workshop on Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance (MPDLG) held here recently spearheaded by the OPAPP in coordination with the provincial government.

Last year, some P140 million was allocated for the farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in the province which were divided in the three towns of Jose Panganiban, Mercedes, and Labo.

The FMRs in the three towns was started December 2011.

The PAMANA aims to respond to and strengthen peacebuilding, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas (CCAs) in line with the government’s goal of putting a permanent and just closure to internal armed conflicts.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cited that there are 38 barangays that are conflict affected areas in the province and they do non - combatant activities to facilitate the bridge between the government and the barangays. (MAL/RBM/PIA 5, Camarines Norte)

Sec. Coloma to keynote interfacing on Communicating the Phl Dev't Plan

LEGAZPI CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. will keynote tomorrow’s (Wednesday, March 21) training of government information officers and advocacy workers on Communicating the Philippine Development Plan 2011 -2016 and on the Bicol Regional Medium Term Development Plan.

Director Eduardo A. De Leon of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here said the training is for government institutions, including local governments, to effectively communicate the thrusts of the national government, anchored on the “social contract” of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the Filipino people pursuing good governance and anti-graft and corruption.

Sec. Coloma’s keynote piece will also delve on Crisis Public Relations.

Albay Governor and Bicol Regional Development Council Chair Joey Sarte Salceda, on the other hand, will tackle, “Communicating the Medium Term Regional Development Plan,” during the same training.

The Medium Term Regional Development Plan that covers 2011-2016 is the guide for Bicolanons to attain the vision of making Bicol the most livable region in the country also in support of the attainment of the nation’s Millennium Development Goals and the President’s social contract with the Filipino people.

To be taken up during the training is the planning of the 2012 Communication Action Plan and the reorganization and induction of officers of the BicolComNet.

Participants will be coming in from national government line agencies, institutions, and other instrumentalities; and local government units (LGUs) comprising the Regional Information Advocacy Committee (RIAC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Bicol; training will be held at the Estevez Hall of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) office in Arimbay, this city.

The enhancement training is among the communications programs conducted by the PIA Bicol in partnership with the local communication agencies, to meet the training needs of the information officer and advocacy workers, as assessed by the Bicol Communication Network (BicolComNet) officers, in promoting government programs, policies, and activities. (MAL/SAA-PIA V, Albay)


Catandunganon wins BDM ultramarathon race

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 20 (PIA) -- A Catandunganon bagged the seventh place in the recently concluded " 4th Bataan Death March (BDM) Ultra Marathon" Race held recently.

The said event was the 4th edition of the ultra marathon conducted to commemorate a significant part in the history of mankind and warfare which is the Bataan Death March in April 1942. It is likewise a gesture of honoring those heroes who died during the Filpino-American fight against the Japanese.

Winner Laurencio Ogerio, 35, and married with two kids, hails from Sabangan Caramoran and he ran a total of 102 kilometers which lasted for 18 hours.

Each runner-participant traced the actual route of the “Death March” from kilometer (km) Post #00 in Mariveles, Bataan up to the old San Fernando Railway Station in San Fernando, Pampanga covering a distance of 102 km.

Out of the 186 participants from the different places of the country, only 160 made it to the finish line which started from 10:15 a.m of March 3 until 4:00 p.m. of the following day.

According to Ogerio, compared to professional marathoners, he only started trying ultra run last year after running a distance of 50 kilometers. He also expressed that his only aim was to finish the race and did not expect to belong tot he top 10 runners.

Aside from being a professional marathoner, Ogerio is currently a jail guard at the Escort and Recovery Unit of the Manila City Jail.

He also wished to serve as an inspiration to his kababayans to become aware of the benefits of having a healthy body and lifestyle. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)


CSC Honor Awards program on

LEGAZPI CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office here will be accepting nominations until April 30 in the search for outstanding public officials and employees in line with the Honor Awards Program (HAP) this year

Eunida Jalmanzar, public information officer of CSC V, said during the radio program “Ugnayan sa Bikol” of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) the search aims to promote excellence and recognize civil servants for their outstanding performance, contribution, achievements, and consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior.

Jalmanzar said that the program is mandated under Republic Act 6713 on ‘ethical standards of public officers and employees’ in the Philippines.

CSC Honor Awards is in recognition of civil servants who have excelled through their innovations in their career and who embraced integrity despite temptations like bribery and other hindrances they face for the sake of public service.

The award categories, according to Jalmanzar, include the Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award, Pagasa Award, and the Dangal ng Bayan.

The Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award is about exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony as observed in an individual or group of individuals.

The Pag-asa Award is for outstanding contribution/s resulting from an idea or performance that directly benefits more than one department of the government.

The Dangal ng Bayan is conferred for good working behavior.

HAP applies to all officials and employees in the career and non-career service of the government including appointive barangay officials and employees recognized as government employees. (MAL/SBC-PIA 5, Albay)


Bicol contenders to national fire prevention contests known

LEGAZPI CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- To determine the youths’ knowledge on fire safety particularly on the current fire prevention theme Makiisa, Makialam, Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) organized a nationwide contest on essay writing, poster making, drawing, and photo competitions.

To represent Bicol in the annual competition are Jericho Magistrado of San Francisco Elementary School, Iriga City for drawing contest; Cedric Peña, Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City, poster-making; Junel Imperial, Vicente Basit Memorial High School, Daet, Camarines Norte, essay writing; and Remer Dante Orolfo, Ombao High School, Bula, Camarines Sur, for photo contest.

The drawing contest was a competition for elementary pupils while the contests for poster making, photo, and essay writing in Filipino were for high school students.

Bicol’s contenders will have a chance to win trophies and cash prizes ranging from P15,000; P10,000; and P7,500 for first, second, and third placers

F/Sr. Supt Leonardo O. Prades Jr., BFP Bicol regional director, said that the regional winners will be recognized during the Fire Prevention Month culminating activity on April 17. That date has been set aside, as BFD Day at the Albay Magayon Festival calendar. The awarding will form part of the whole day activity that include the Barangay Volunteer Fire Brigade Competition and the Inter-BFP Firefighters Amazing Challenge for men and women firefighters.

The 2012 regional winners will receive cash prizes of P3,000 each for the first placers.

Other regional winners who will receive cash prizes are John Rey Mahusay, Mahaba Elementary School Ligao, Albay and Jerel John Intia, Basud Elementary School, Camarines Norte for drawing contest; Albert Lopez, Ligao National High School, Ligao City for poster making contest; and May Toledo, Legazpi City High School and Ann Goyon of Matnog High School, Sorsogon for essay writing contest.

A three-man board of judges composed of Edison Mallapre of DepEd Albay, Nolasco Luna of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Region V, and Aida Alcazar-Naz of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol selected the winners.

Meantime, BFP Bicol continues with the observance of Fire Prevention Month this March that includes advocacy activities such as open house and ugnayan sa barangay.

Ugnayan sa Barangay programs are being conducted to remind the community the need for fire-safe homes. A parallel activity is being held in schools to inculcate among the young the negative consequences of fire incidents in the lives of families.

TV and radio hopping go on while information materials such as leaflets and brochures are being distributed to supplement the campaign.

On March 26, firefighters will conduct tree-planting, river clean-up drive and feeding activities in Barangay Dapdap, Legazpi City.(MAL/AAN-PIA V)


Govt engineers fast track river control project in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, March 20 -- Threats of flooding still grip commuters negotiating the Maharlika Highway at barangay Culliat in Daraga town, prompting government engineers to fast track the rehabilitation of the Busay-Bongalon river control project in this second class town in Albay.

Danilo E. Dequito, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol, said he has ordered the Albay 2nd District Engineering Office to complete the said river control project in Daraga as soon as possible.

Flooding remains a problem in Daang Maharlika (DM) along the Culliat Section despite the ongoing river control project as water from Busay-Bongalon river flows directly to the said section whenever there is continuous rain.

According to Dequito, P8 million was spent for the initial construction of a 40 ln.m. dike with steel sheet pile foundation which was completed on October 10, last year but right after its completion, incessant heavy rains followed, causing severe damage on the existing dike.

To repair the dike, an additional P20-million funding was released by the DPWH central office to the Albay 2nd District Engineering Office, he said.

The additional amount is intended to cover the construction of 80 linear meter (l.m.) concrete dike and lower the rock formation of Busay Falls by 2.5 meters and widen its river bed by 14.0 meters.

“We already have significant accomplishment. However, last February 2, heavy downpour triggered a large volume of water that damaged the stock piled embankment that diverted the flow of water towards Daang Maharlika,” said Albay 2nd District Engineer Walter Lubiano.

“Nevertheless, the steel sheet piles remained intact restraining the excessive water flow, hence, the road remained passable to all types of vehicles,” he added.

Another P5 million was also released for the rehabilitation of DM Culliat whose pavement was heavily damaged due to the frequent inundation particularly during the last quarter of last year and early part of this year.

“Included in this funding is the construction of a 3 x 3-meter box culvert and a detour road will be installed just beside the section to be rehabilitated,” said Lubiano. “However, the initial work done on the detour was also washed out by the flash floods,” he continued.

Nevertheless, Lubiano assured the public of round the clock work particularly during good weather condition, to finish the project before end of April this year. (MAL/MSA/LVC-PIA V/ALbay)


Pandan police confiscates narra lumber

PANDAN, Catanduanes, March 20 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Pandan Municipal Police Station confiscated a total of 222.8 board feet of narra in Barangay Canlubi, Pandan on March 2 at around 6:45 p.m.

A concerned citizen found the lumber abandoned in a roadside in said barangay and reported it to the police. The lumber, left by suspected illegal loggers, were hauled by P/Inspector Millard Bongalon at five of his men.

Breakdown of confiscated narra lumber are as follows: 24 pcs. 2x2x6; 15 pcs. 1x3x6; and 6 pcs. 1x8x8 with a total amount of P11,125.

At present, the Pandan police is conducting a follow-up operations to know who were behind the illegal cutting of narra trees despite the implementation of total log ban in the country. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)